September 13, 2001

 

 

Dear Parent/Guardian:

 

As all Americans are struggling to understand what happened on

Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I would like to inform you of the precautions that

were taken in the Elementary School. On that day, we first became aware of the

incident shortly after 9:00 a.m. We immediately turned on the radio in the office

seeking information about the incident. We only then became aware that the

United States was under a terrorist attack. We immediately informed staff of the

incident, however, no students were informed of the incident. We feel that

developmentally, students are not able to understand this type of incident. The

students were never made aware of either the fear or desperation that adults

were feeling. We implemented an indoor playground on both September 11 and

September 12. The Building Crisis Center was set up in the Main Office. Main

Office staff fielded phone calls from parents and other school officials. Decisions

were made in a calm and orderly manner. Each staff member reacted in a calm

and assuring manner in order to protect students from the realities of the events

happening in New York City, Washington, D.C., and southern Pennsylvania. At

this time, we are implementing outdoor playground. The

c

ounseling staff

continues to monitor the reactions of the students and provide comfort care

where needed.

 

On Friday, September 14, 2001, we are asking that staff and students

wear red, white, and blue clothing to school as a show of solidarity and

pride for our country. In addition, we understand that churches around the

country have been asked to ring their bells at 12:00 p.m. We will respond

with a building­wide moment of silence at that time.

 

Rest assured that the staff continues to act responsibly and with the

utmost care for your children at all times while seeking their own understanding

of the developments occurring in our Country.

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

Anne P. Ressler

Elementary School Principal

 

APR/jg